5 Methods to Prevent Pregnancy

With so many birth control options on the market today, it can be incredibly frustrating to make the final choice. Even when choosing a shampoo it may take weeks or months of trial and error to find the one that suits you. However, when it comes to birth control, trial and error is hardly acceptable. Here are 5 methods of birth control, some of which you may find good and suitable.

1. The Calendar Method

So, what do you get when you combine Mother Nature, math and some good old time management? A calendar, and a birth control method.

The idea is using your menstrual cycle to predict when you should, or shouldn’t have intercourse. Good side? You don’t have to use anything except first grade math and a pen.

Bad side? It is very unreliable. And if you want to make it at least mildly reliable you need to be chaste for at least twelve days. Ouch.

2. The Temperature Method

woman pregnancy test

Ok, ladies, we all know that you’re hot. But, during certain days of your cycle you become even hotter! Literally.

During ovulation your bodily temperature increases for 0.3 to 0.4 DC, indicating fertility. The temperature needs to be measured as soon as you wake up, before any physical activity.

This method, however, is most effective combined with the previous calendar method. Needless to say, it is not the most precise one out there, but if you plan using any of the two, at least use both for more protection.

3. The Cervical Mucus Method

Yeah, the cervical mucus method. This method is based on monitoring your mucus daily, and using it’s texture to figure out how close you are to ovulating. To make it simple: mucus – bad, no mucus – good.

As soon as you see it, scratch the naughty time for a while. Or, even better, combine all of these methods, and find the right time for a good time.

4. The Most Popular Method(s)

You’ve all probably heard of the condom, the pill etc. so we want dwell much on the technicalities. Instead, let’s see how much each of them works.

So, the usual methods, sorted by efficiency:

  • the pill- 92-99%
  • male condom- 85-98%
  • diaphragm- 84-94%
  • calendar / temperature / mucus – 75-100%

Which leads us to the most effective method out there.

5. Sterilization

Sterilization is, by far, the most effective method of birth control, short of abstinence itself. It is effective in almost 100% of all the cases and guarantees a completely safe intercourse. Short of STD’s, of course.

A thing to remember is that the procedure, in women, requires tying of fallopian tubes and is almost not reversible, while vasectomy, the male procedure, is.

So ladies, my advice? Think twice, or as many times as you need. Think of yourself first, and don’t forget to have fun.

About the author

Nella

I'm in love with my big, comfy bed and pillow and my gorgeous cat Tom. Once I have to wake up, I enjoy my coffee with a lot of milk and sugar as I embark on my daily journey of investigative journalism.

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